UMW Toyota Motor experienced continued growth in August 2023, reporting a total monthly sales figure of 10,275 units for both Toyota and Lexus models. This includes 10,033 units sold under the Toyota brand and 242 units under the Lexus brand. This performance marks a notable increase from the total monthly sales of 8,349 units recorded in July 2023.
Furthermore, when considering the cumulative sales for the year up to August 2023, the total now stands at 67,283 units, in contrast to 61,639 units for the same period in the previous year. This demonstrates a substantial year-on-year growth of 9.2% in year-to-date sales for the first eight months of 2023. Additionally, the monthly sales achieved in August 2023 exhibited a 13% increase compared to the same month in the previous year.
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the authorised distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, has officially introduced the all-new Toyota Corolla GR Sport and improved Toyota Corolla 1.8G and 1.8E into the Malaysian market.
Corolla GR Sport
In October 2019, the latest iteration of the Corolla was launched in Malaysia, presenting two variants: the Corolla 1.8G and Corolla 1.8E. Since then, the model has achieved remarkable global sales, surpassing 50 million units. Its enduring popularity within its segment is particularly evident among international manufacturers. The cars are brought into Malaysia as completely built-up units (CBUs) from Toyota’s regional manufacturing centre in Thailand.
The Corolla GR Sport, also known as the GR-S, becomes the third option in the GR Sport lineup. The current GR Sport models consist of the Vios GR Sport launched in December 2020, as well as the Corolla Cross GR Sport and Hilux GR Sport, both introduced in February 2023.
Improved Corolla 1.8G and 1.8E
The most recent updates to the Corolla encompass both aesthetic enhancements and the introduction or refinement of features.
The refreshed Corolla’s frontal aspect showcases a novel glossy black lower grille that contributes to an elevated sense of sophistication. This grille features polygonal dots that imbue the vehicle with an “active” expression, causing the visual texture and appearance to transform depending on the vantage point and lighting conditions.
Corolla IMP
Across various lighting functions such as headlamps, turn signals, daytime running lights (DRL), rear combination lamps, as well as front and rear fog lamps, the Corolla employs enduring and energy-efficient LEDs.
The Corolla 1.8G and 1.8E variants offer a selection of five body colours: Calestite Gray Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl MC, Attitude Black, and an entirely new exterior colour called Metal Stream ME.
In pursuit of enhanced environmental friendliness, Toyota has adopted the use of Toyota Super Olefin Polymer (TSOP) in various components such as the grille, hook cover, foglamp molding, and bumper. TSOP represents a recyclable thermoplastic resin characterized by its premium surface quality and robust rigidity.
Both versions of the vehicle showcase fresh designs for their lightweight alloy wheels. The Corolla 1.8G model is fitted with 17-inch wheels featuring a multi-axis spoke arrangement that effectively communicates a sense of quality and sporty appeal. On the other hand, the Corolla 1.8E variant’s 16-inch wheels boast a simple yet dynamic twin-spoke style, complemented by a monochrome finish.
The standard tire sizes are 225/45R17 for the Corolla 1.8G and 205/55R16 for the Corolla 1.8E. Additionally, the spare wheels provided are crafted from alloy rims and come equipped with tires of comparable size and type.
Although it won’t be available until 2027, Toyota is considering extending its model lineup with a Corolla-based unibody truck. In the American market, the model will compete with the Ford Maverick and the more specialised Hyundai Santa Cruz in the compact truck market.
No company has yet dared venture into the compact truck segment in Malaysia, but with models becoming more popular elsewhere, and with pick-up trucks getting more expensive in Malaysia, there is just a glimmer of possibility.
In the 54-year history of the Toyota Corolla, there have been different bodystyle variants which, in a way, reflected consumer tastes and requirements of the difference periods. The model started off with a 2-door and 4-door sedan and a stationwagon, the 4-door variant being the most popular by far.
Then there was the Liftback, which offered hatchback versatility in a sleeker shape and for the younger enthusiasts, a coupe and a hardtop were also offered, available with the powerful 2T-G twincam engines. In fact, one generation of the coupe – the fifth generation of the Corolla with the code AE86 and the domestic name of ‘Levin’ – would become legendary and much sought after even up till today. A MPV-like variant called the Corolla Spacio was also developed towards the end of the 1990s and it was manufactured by Toyota Auto Body.
Responding to the SUV boom
Today, most of the variants are no longer available as Toyota streamlined the model range to focus only on the high-volume sedan. However, with the continuing growth of the SUV market, it has decided that the Corolla should also have a bodystyle to cater to this booming segment.
This is the new Corolla Cross which had its global debut today in Thailand where it is made. With ‘Corolla Meets SUV’ being the key phrase for the development of the Corolla Cross, the model was designed with a sturdy image combined with the utility typical of such vehicles.
TNGA platform with hybird powertrain available
It sits on the TNGA platform (GA-C) that is used for recent and future models and has a rear torsion beam suspension. The spacious cabin includes luggage space of up to 587 litres which is claimed to be class-leading. Safety-wise, it is engineered and equipped at a similar level as the Corolla Sedan and should therefore be able to rate the maximum of 5 stars when ASEAN NCAP assesses it.
Depending on the market, customers will have a choice of either a hybrid powertrain or just a petrol engine, both using a 1.8-litre engine. The engine, when used in the hybrid powertrain, produces 98 ps/142 Nm, with the electric motor adding 72 ps/163 Nm, but the total system power output available is 122 ps. The petrol engine alone is rated at 140 ps/177 Nm.
Introducing the Corolla Cross, Daizo Kameyama, Chief Engineer in charge of development, said: “Now that the Corolla Cross has newly joined the Corolla family, we sincerely hope that our customers will warmly welcome the vehicle to become part of their families: just like their partners, siblings or even friends. We wish that the Corolla Cross could assist customers in creating a new story by loading on their vehicle the people who are important to them, the luggage, and their dreams for the future.”
Will we get it in Malaysia?
As the Corolla is imported in CBU (completely built-up) form from Thailand, there’s no reason why the Corolla Cross cannot also be imported. It would certainly give UMW Toyota Motor an extra model offering, which car-buyers like. It would most likely not be the hybrid since that would cost more and as the government is not providing any incentives to help lower the retail price, it would be better to just sell the petrol engine variant.
Virtually all industries and businesses in Malaysia suspended operations on May 18 as the Movement Control Order (MCO) started, a measure to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.With the situation improving, the government is allowing resumption of operations of most industries.
Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB), UMW Toyota Motor’s subsidiary involved in manufacturing Toyota vehicles, is among those that has resumed its assembly operations. It has two assembly plants in Selangor and the newer one at the Bukit Raja Industrial Park commences today. This plant assembles the popular Vios and Yaris models and has been in operation since January 2019. The second plant in Shah Alam, among the oldest in Malaysia, will commence operations on June 9, 2020.
The ASSB plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor which assembles the Yaris and Vios models.
“We are grateful to the Selangor State Government for its decision to implement the CMCO with customised details and understand that it is in the best interest of the state and people,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “With the resumption of operations, we hope to help in boosting the economy and add momentum to the automotive industry and business moving forward.”
As with all companies allowed to resume their operations at full capacity, there are strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which must be followed. ASSB will fully adhere to these SOPs for the protection and health of the approximately 2,000 employees working at its facilities.
The SOPs include establishing distances of 1 metre or more between workers; regular temperature checks; provision and use of hand sanitizers and face masks; and sanitization of various areas around the plant three times daily. Where necessary, working hours and work flows are adjusted to create a safe environment.
“Toyota Motor Corporation is also very serious about providing safe and healthy conditions for all employees. As a member of the global Toyota family, ASSB can therefore draw on healthcare advice and best practices from TMC regarding additional measures that can be taken here in Selangor,” added Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
It was only last month when UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (Toyota Malaysia) announced that fellow Malaysians can now place their bookings for the all-new 2019 Toyota Corolla. Today, they’ve officially launched their latest mid-range sedan in the grandest of fashion at Genting Highlands. (more…)
